My Story:
A Journey from Solace to Shared Strength
The Beginning: A Mosaic of Contrasts
In the eclectic embrace of Melbourne's art scene, I found myself straddling two worlds. By day, a performer amidst the avant-garde theatres, by night, a reveler caught in the pulsating heart of festivals renowned worldwide. It was a period of vibrant expression and tumultuous existence; where the profound artistry of life was as enthralling as it was draining.
Amidst this tapestry of exuberance and excess, yoga became my unexpected refuge. Beneath the city’s kaleidoscope skies, the practice offered not just a counterbalance but a lifeline. It was within the disciplined contours of Ashtanga and the deliberate alignment of Iyengar that I found solace. Each asana, a quiet rebellion against the chaos; each breath, a step toward an equilibrium lost and now being reclaimed.
This was no mere physical discipline. It was a journey to the core of my being, a quest that began on the mat and extended far beyond. Yoga provided a space for healing, not just for the body, but for a soul seeking serenity in the storm.
"Yoga does not just change the way we see things, it transforms the person who sees." — B.K.S. Iyengar
Wanderlust and Wisdom
With my anchor in yoga, my husband and I ventured far from the shores of our native New Zealand, exploring the rich tapestry of cultures, practices, and philosophies. Every ashram visit, every foreign mat laid out, became a chapter in my book of self-discovery. I laughed at the oddities of ashram life, wrestled with the discipline, and marveled at the simplicity of being just another soul seeking connection.
In Queensland, as family life began, the absence of a yoga community beckoned me to delve deeper into personal practice. The guidance of a wise old yogi, with his verandah teachings, reminded me that the greatest teachers often come disguised in simplicity.
"The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes." — Marcel Proust
The Turning Point
At a life-changing retreat in the south, I was captivated by a teacher’s grace—how she made each of us feel truly seen. Her approach transcended the physicality of yoga; it was a celebration of our very being, honouring the essence rather than the execution. This was yoga beyond the mat—it was the heart of living woven through practice.
This experience propelled me into a transformative 350-hour teacher training, reshaping my understanding of what it means to teach. It instilled in me the gentle power of yoga to touch lives, guiding me to cultivate a space where everyone is acknowledged for their unique journey.
"Growth is painful. Change is painful. But nothing is as painful as staying stuck somewhere you don’t belong." — Mandy Hale
Sharing the Gift
Today, Sadie Wells Yoga is more than a studio—it's a culmination of every step on this path. From the electric energy of Melbourne's streets to the serene Queensland coastline where our studio nest awaits, each class is a fusion of the wisdom gathered along the way. The Sadie Wells Yoga experience is a reflection of a journey that is both deeply personal and joyously shared.
Join the Journey
As you step onto your mat at SWY, know that you're joining a voyage that transcends the physical. It's a practice enriched by every soul that has graced my path, every lesson that has deepened my understanding, and every laugh that has lightened the journey.
Come, share in this practice—a practice where the echoes of many lands and the whispers of many teachers converge to create something truly unique. This is not just my journey; it's ours.